Sorting-machine.



W. W. LASKER.

SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION r1Lu1uNa3.|9xu.

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PutentedSept. i), 1919.

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W. W'. LASKER.

SRTING MACHINE.

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Patented Sept. 9, 1919.

4 SHEE S--SHEET 3.

W. W. LASKER.

SOW-.ING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE I3. IIIIII.

1,315,370. PntentedSept. 9, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

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Wilncfje; Inventor:

' William W LaS/rer,

UNITED sTaTEs PATENT oEEIoE.

' WILLIAM W. LASKER, oF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, AssIGNoR To POWERS ACCOUNTING MACHINE COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

SOBTING-MACHINE.

Specicaticn of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 9, 1919.

Application filed June 13, 1918. Serial No. 239,851.

To all -zchom it may concern:

Be it known that. I, 'iLLiAu IV.' Lssiinn, a citizen of the I'nited States. residing in the borough of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sorting-Machines. of which the following is a specification. v A

This invention relates to machines for sorting perforated cards such as are used in automatic calculating and adding machines.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a machine in which the conveyer for conveying the cards from the analyzer to the compartments simultaneously conveys several cards at a time. and deposits eaclrin its appropriate compartment. without in any way interfering with or being delayed the proper depositing of the other cards in their compartments.

Another object is to provide an improved timing arrangement. comprising a timing member or disk having thereon settable means of novel form adapted to be set by setting means operated from the analyzer, and to move at a vuniform speed so as to operate deflectors for guiding the cards into the compartments just at the instant. that the card arrives at its appropriate compartment. l

Another object of the invention is to provide a suitable means for lowering the card receiving plate. or floor of each compartment as'each card is fed into such compartment. thus doing away with spring arrangements as heretofore used.

While herein I describe details of the invention. it is understood that the invention is not limited to these. since the details of construction and combination may be greatly varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

In the accompanying drawing showing by way of example. one of many possible lembodiments ot' the invention- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the machine:

Fig, -2 tive view showing the timing arrangement;

is an enlarged fragmental perspec- Fig. 3 is a face view of a timing disk with the settable cams thereon;

Fig. -l is an edge view of one of the settable cams and its associated parts taken from the line l-l of-Fig. 3;

Fig. is a sectional view taken through the setting means for setting the settable cams;

Fig. 6 is a plan view showin the arrangements ofthe delectors and t e means for guiding the cards thereto;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the mechanismA shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan showing the details of vconstruct-ion of the means for operating the lowering means of-the card receiving plate;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation showing a fragment of the means for lowering the receivingmplate; and Y ig. 10 is ay section taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9.' r

As shown in the embodiment of Fi 1, the machine comprises a. base 10 on w ich are mounted a pair of side plates 11 on which are mounted the card feeding means 1:?. the analyzer 1-1 and other parts of the mechanism to be mentioned. The card feed- -ing means 1'2 of the analyzer 1-1- are similar.

in the lower part of the feeding means and connected by'means of a lilik 2O to a lever arm 21 mounted on the shaft 24 carried between the side plates 11, and connected by the link '2G having its end '28 eccentrically mounted on the eccentric shaft 29 suitably driven. as will be hereinafter ldescribed, from the motor 30. whereby the block 19 is reciprocated in the lower part of the magazine 18. The block 19 is rovided with ar picker knife 34 whereby w en the block is reciprocated the lowermost card in the magazine is fed forward through the micrometer slot 35 at the outlet side of the feeding llletlns.

From the micrometer slot 35 the card is received between the roller 36 and a roller mounted on a shaft 38 suitabl driven by the s rocket 40 and chain 41 or t e like from the rive wheel 44 ofthe motor 301 From the shaft 38 suitable gears 45, 46, and 47 convey power to the eccentric shaft 29 and to a conveyer roller coperatin with the conveyer rollers 49 and 50, whic latter are ada ted to withdra'w the cards from the ana yzer 14 and deliver themto the conveyin means to be later described.

gIhe cards are conveyed by the roller 49 to the coperating roller into lace between the perforated plates 51 suita ly supported on the side plates 11. The pin box 52 is disposed above the perforated plates 51* and is verticall reciprocated by means of links 58 having t ieir lower ends receiving the eccen tric 59 of the eccentric shaft 29. The pin box is provided with rows of pins 65 which may be caused to register with any one of the rows of perforations of ythe plates 50 by means of suitable adjustments as explained in said copending applications.

The pins 65, as ex lained in the first mentioned bf said a p ications, are yieldabl pressed against t e perforated cards, an upon finding' a perforation pass through the card durin the downward motion of the pin box an are then locked into retrograde motion relative to the pin box, after which continued downward movement of the pin causes the pin to bear a ainst one of the plungers 85 (Fig. 2) which correspond in number ,to the pins 65 and are carried in suitable guide plates 86 transversely slid' ably mounted between the side plates 11, as

explained in lsaid copending applications.

lThe plungers 85 when' depressed by the analyzin'g pins, transmit motion to theinner wires 89 and push cables 90 for operating the ,selecting mechanism of the card c0nveyer as will be explained. l

It is, of course, necessary that the lun-- gers 85 always 'remain in. register wit the analyzing pins as for instance when the pin box is adjusted so thatthe pins register with the row of erforations which are to be analyzed. f ese mechanisms, however, form no part of the present invention and are 'described in detail in said last named application.

The .cards are received 'from the roller 50 '(Fig. V1) and are finally conveyed to the compartments 91 formedby transverse partitions 93 mounted at their lower ends upon thev base 10 and having their upper ends ers 102 against which are yielda secured to retaining pieces 95 carried upon the bearing supports 96 mounted upon the Tower edges of the extension plates 98 secured to the ide plates 11. Rotatably mounted in sai bearing supports 96 are a plurality of deflector shafts 99, one for each compartment, on which are secured defleccors 100 (Fig. 2) formed of strips of material bent upon themselves and secured by means of rivets 101 to the defiector shaft. Upon each ldeflector shaft 99 there -are rotatably mounted a pair of lower uide rolly by pressed the up er guide rollers 104 (Fig. 1) fixed u on t e upper :shafts 105 (Fig. 7) rotata dy mounted in brackets 106 loosely mounted on pivot bolts 108 and 109 secured to theextension plates 98.

On each upper shaft 105 there is fixed a pinion 112l meshing with an idler 113 rotatably mounted on one of the bolts 109.

The end bracket 114 is loosely mounted on a short bearing shaft 115 on which is fixed a drive pinion 116 and a drive sprocket 117, the latterbein driven by means of a sprocket joint 118, Fig. 1)- onthe sprocket wheel 120 carried on the shaft 121 operatively connected to a gear wheel 122 in turn driven from the gear 48. On the shafts receive the cards from the analyzing plates 51 and convey them to the rollers 102 and 104 which latter convey the cards in a hori-' zontal path abovethe defiectors 100, when the deiectors are in their, normal horizontal position as-shown in Figs. 2 and 7. When the deflectors 100 are deiected upwardly so that a card passing from the anal zing plate passes to the underside of the de ector, such card is deflected into one of the compartments 92 on to the receiving plate 127.

Means for operating the deflectoi' will now be described. I

Mounted -iipon vone of the side supports 11 and a supporting standard 129 (Fig. '2) is a bracket support 130 upon which are mounted elbow brackets 131 provided with timing shaft bearings 132 anddeectorshaft bearings 134, the .latter'receiving the ends of thedeflector shafts 99. In the bearings n132 there is disposed a timing shaft 135 on which are fixed one for each coinpar'tmeiit,'a

plurality of timing disks 136. Disposed around each timing disk equal angles apart,

plurality of tripping supports or pitr'l' are a, ots 13 on which are pivotally mounted settable tripping cams 138 provided at their inner edges with a cam pro'ection 140. Said cam is held spaced from t e disk by means of a spacing collar 141 (Fig. 4). At the free end of each settable cam there is secured .121 and 124 are mounted rollers 125 which I a pivot pin 143 on which is pivotally in ounted a detent 144 provided with an upwardly pointing releasing finger 145" and an inwardly pointing detent finger 146 provided with an active detent shoulder 147 and an inactive detent shoulder 148 either one of which is adapted to rest upon the detent pin 150 mounted upon't-he disk. Said finger 111 is held pressed against the detent pin by means o a. coil spring 152 wrapped around the column 141 and pressing against a projection 153 carried upon the detent 1-14..

Upon each pivot pin 143 there is also carried a tripping roller 155, adapted, when the act-ive shoulder 147 engages the detent pin, to engage the operating arm 156 (Fig. 2) lixed upon the deflector shaft 99, whereby as said disk rotates and brings said roller into contact with the operating aiin 156 mounted on the shaft 99, the detiec-tors 100 are raised and detiect the cards into the com partments. After the operating arm 156 has thus been ope-rated, the releasing linger 115 engages the releasing pin 158 carried upon the outer end of the operating arm 158, whereby said active shoulder 147 is forced away from the detent pin 150 and the spring 15'2 causes t-he trippin cam and deteiit to move inwardly unt-il t ie detent pin 15() is engaged by the inactive shoulder 148.

Each t-imin shaft bearing box 13:' 2 (Fig. 5) is provide with a reduced extension 160 (Fig. 5) on which is fixed by means of a set screw 161, a plunger bracket 162 provided with a boss 164 provided with a. longitudinal bore- 165 reduced at its inner end to form anannular shoulder 156. In each bore 'there is slidably disposed a plunger 168 provided with a head 169 between which head and said shoulder 156 there is disposed a coil spring 170 for holding the plunger retracted. Upon each boss 161 there is held fixed by means of a set screw 17'2, an elbow bracket 174 on which is pivot-ally mounted an elbow lever 176 having its active arm 177 engaging the head 169, and its motive ai'in178 engaged by the inner wire of the flexible connection 90 having its outer` end mounted in said elbow bracket 174.

The timing shaft 135 is rotated b v means of bevel gears 180 (Fig. l) driven by suitable gears 181 from the car 17; and tliese gears are so proportonec that each time a card is analyzed in the analyzer, one of the tripping cams 138 is just coming into operative relation with one of the plungers 168.

When a card is in the analyzer and the analyzing pin finds aperforation and presses upon the plunger 85 the elbow lever 176 presses inwardly the plunger .168, whereupon, the plunge-r engages; the tripping cam 138 at that time. coming into operative relation therewith.

As the various compartments 92 are placed progressively greater distances `froni the analyzer, it requires a greater length of time for the card passing from the analyzer to the analyzer to the detlcctor.

reach the compartments more remote therefrom; and provision is made for operating the detiector just at the instant thatthe card reaches it so that each card may be deflected into its appropriate compartment without having to wait until suticient time has elapsed for a card to be deected into the most remote compartment. 1n order to accomplish this it is merely necessary to place the plunger 168 associated with-each compartment and timing disk such-a distance from the associated operating arm 156 that the tripping cam which comes into operative relation with such plunger at the time that t-lie card is in the analyzer will have just time to pass from such plunger to said operating arm as the card which ger to said operating arm as the card which operated such plunger requires to pass from In order to fulfil these conditions the plungers 168 must be placed spirally around the timing shaft, the pluiigers associated with the most remote compartments being placed the greatestdistances from the ope-rating arm 156, such distances being measured forward from the plunger in the direction of rotation of the disks indicated by the arrow of Fig. '2. As the embodiment herein described 'is pro vided with 12 compartments, and the timing disks are provided with only six tripping cams, it. is necessary that the tripping cams of one disk be placed in staggered relation with t-lie tripping cams of the adjacent disk so that a tripping cam on every disk will bei coming into operative relation with the associated plunger just-at the instant that the card is being analyzed. Otherwise some 0f the plungers would be operated at an instant when the point of the disk midwayy between adjacent. cams .would be opposite the plunger, and no setting of the tripping cam would take place. The. number of tripping cams could be either greater or less than'shown` if desired.

Now will be described the means for loweriiig the receiving plate 12T a very small distance each time a card is fed into the compartment, so that there will be no danger of the card being reversed as it is de.- posited in the compartment.

Each receiving plate 1'27 is su )ported on an elongated sleeve 185 (Fig. 9i provided with a lateral opening 186 (Fig. l0) and slidable upon al vertical shaft. 188 associated with each compartment. Each shaft ISS has its lower end received in the bearings 189 in the base 10 (Fig. l) and its upper end received in the upper bracket 190 secured to the lower edge of the extension 98. Each vertical shaftA 188 has provided thereon suitable threads 191 which ma v be integra-l with the shaft or which may comprise a spiral wire wrapped around the shaftl and secured thereto at the end of the wire so as to form a somewhat resilient support for the spring latch 192 (Fig. 10). This latch is riveted t0 thesleeve at 194 and has a bend therein providing a projection 195 adapted tio-engage between the threads 191.

Whenever a card is fed into a compart-l ment, the vertical shaft 188 is rotated a very small amount thus lowering the sleeve 194 and plate 127. Means for accomplishing this rotation will now be described.

Upon the upper end of each vertical shaft there is fixedpa worm wheel 198 engaged by a worm 199 (Fig. 8) loosely carried on the deflector shaft 99 and provided with pawl teeth 200 adapted to be engaged by the teeth 201 of the pawl collar 202 shdably mounted upon the deflector shaft 99. lVhile the pawl collar 202 is slidable upon the detlector shaft, it is held against rotation relative thereto so that whenever the deflector shaft is operated to cause the defiectors to deflect a card into the compartment, the pawl collar 202 is rotated a small amount, thus rotating the worm 199 and consequently the vertical shaft 188. The pawl collar is yieldably held in engagement with the worm 199 by means of. a small helical spring 204 disposed upon the dellector shaft.'

From the foregoing the o eration of the entire machine will be rea ily understood l and need now be only very brlefly summarized as follows:

B means of the reciprocatin picker bladle 84, each card is fed from t e lower part of the magazine hopper 18 to the roller 38- whence it is carried between the perforated plates 51, after which the in box of the analyzer is lowered and the p unger in 85 and the plunger 168 associated with he compartment to which said card is destined, are operated, thereby bringing about the setting of the tripping cam 140 associated with said compartment Just as it comes into operative relation with such plunger. When this takes place the set thipping cam 140 and the card which causes its setting, respectively travel towardthe operatin arm 156 and thevdeflectors 100 associate with such compartment; and because of the rel ation between the location'of the plunger setting, the remoteness of the compartmentl from the analyzer, and the speeds of travel of the set trippingI cam and the card said tripping cam comes into operative relation with the operating lever 156 just before -the card` comes inte operative relation with the deflectors, whereupon the set tripping cam operates the operatin lever and conse- 'qluently the associated eflectors and detlects\ t iecard into the appropriate compartment. The operatin cam immediatel passes on and permits t ie deflectors to fa l, so that. a card immediately following the card thus deflected may passl over said delectors for a more remote compartment. If such card was destined for the same compartment, the delectors will be immediately y deflected again in the same manner just described.

As soon as the operatin arm 156 has been operated, the tripping nger 145 engages the tripping pin 158 thus releasing the shoulder 147 from the detent pin 150 whereupon the tripping cam resumes its normal position. This operation is repeated until all of the cards are analyzed and deposited in their a propriate compartments.

At t esame time that the deflect/0r 100 1s operated, the pawl collar 202 .rotates the shaft 188 a small increment and consequently lowers the receiving plate 127.

When it is desired to lower or raise the receiving plate as for removing cards, or at the beginning of the sorting of a new batch,l it is only necessary to grasp .he latch 192 and remove the projection 195 from between the threads, whereupon the receiving plate may be raised or lowered to the extent desired.

I claim 1. In .an'apparatus of the character described, the combination of an analyzer; .a plurality of stations; aplurality of means one for each station, and controlled by a card in the analyzer, and becoming-effective as such card reaches the station, for causing the card to enter the station.

2. In an apparatus of'the character described, the combination of an analyzer; a plurality'of stations; a plurality of means, 100 one for each station, and each controlled by a card in the anal zer while such card is in the analyzer, and becoming effectivel as such card reaches the station, for, causing the card to enter the station. 105

3. In* an apparatus'of the character dej scribed, the combination of an analyzer, a plurality of stations; a plurality of means, one associated with each station. to the exclusion of the other stations, and' controlled 110A by a card in the analyzer and becoming effective as such card reaches the station, f or causing the card-to enter the station.

.4. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of an analyzer; a plurality of stations; a plurality of means, one for each station, and controlled directly by al card in the analyzer .and becoming effective as such card reaches the station, for causing the card to enter the station.

5. In an apparatus'of the character described, the combination of an' analyzer; a plurality o'f stations;- a plurality of means, one associated with each station to the exi clusion of'the other stations, and controlled 1.25l

6. In' an apparatus of the character de- 1130 scribed, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; an individual set-ting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; settable means for each station adapted to be Set by the associated setting means and to cause to enter the card which operated the setting means.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of sorting' stations;- an analyzer; a' movable timing device; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; settable means for each cfiifn and operated by and adapted to be set by the setting means and a means for causing a card to enter astation and' adapted to be operated by a set settable means as the card which'operated the associated setting means reaches the station.

8. In an apparatus of the character de- .scribed` the combination of a plurality of sorting-stations; an analyzer; a movable timing device; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; settable means associated with each station and carried on by'the timing device each settable means being adapted to come successively into operative relation with'the associated setting means to be set by the'setting means when the latter is operated; and a means associated with each station and adapted to conduct a card into the station and to be operated by a set'settable means as the. card which operated the setting means reaches the station.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analvzer means for receivingcards from the analyzer and carrying them in a path near said stations; a movalile timing device associated with thesta.- tions; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; groups of settable means, one roup for each station carried on the timing evice each settable means'adapted to come successively into operative relation with the associated setting means and to be set by the setting means 'when operated; and a defiector associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a set settable means as the card which operated the setting means reaches the station.

10. In anapparntus of the character descrbed..the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; 'an analyzer; means receiving.r cards from the. analyzer and carrying them in a patli near said stations; a. movable timing member movable in a plane intersecting said path; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the`analyzer; a settable means carried on the timing member and adapted to be set by the setting means; and a means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a set settable means as the card which operated such settable means reaches the station, to cause the card to enter the station.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combina-tion of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; movable means receiving cards from the analyzer and carryingthem in a. path near said stations; a movable timin member movable with a speed different rom said means; a. setting means associated with each station and adapted to b e operated by a card iithe analyzer; a settalble means carried on the timing member and adapted to be set by the setting means; and a means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a set settable means as the card which operated such settable means reaches the station, toA cause the card to enter the station.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of settable-means.

13. In an apparatus of the character 'described, the combination'of a plurality of sorting stations; a card analyzer; rotatable means receiving cards from the' analyzer and carrying them in apath near said sta- 110 tions: a. plurality of movable. timing inembers movable on axes different from said means; a setting means associated with each station and ada ted to be operated by a card in the analyzer estined for such station :and 11-5 a plurality of settable means carried on each timing member and adapted to come successively into operative relation with the associated setting means and to be set by the settin' means to cause to enter a station 120 the card w ich operated such settable means.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a pluralityof i sorting stations; a card anaylzer; a timing member; setting means associated with each station and adapted-to bcaiperatcd by the analyzer; and seperate Settable means 'for each station carried on the timing member l and having a single operative position' thereon and adapted to be set by the setting means; and a means associated with each station and adapted When-operated to cause acaiJ-d to move into a station and adaped to be operated by a set settable means. y

15. In an apparatus o't the character 'described, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; a movable timing member; an individual setting means associated with each associated station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer; and settable means foreach senai'ate station, carried on the timing mem er and having a normal inoperative position and a single operative position and'adapted to be set by the setting means to cause to enter a station the card which operated such settable means.

lo, In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; a movable timing member; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in 'the analyzer destined for such station; and agroup of separate settable means one rou for each separate station, carried on tie timing member and adapted to be set by the Setting means; and a. means associated With each station and adapted when operated to cause a card to move into a station and adapted to tbe operated by a set settable means.

17. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; a. plurality of movable timin membeis; one for each station; an individual setting means as'sociated with each timing member and associatedl'; station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; and a group of separate settable means one group for each separate station, carried on each timing member and adapted to come successively into operative relation with the associated setting means and to be set by the setting means when operated; and a means associated with each station and adapted when operated to cause a card to move.into a. station and adapted to be operated by a set settable means as the card which operated such settable means reaches the station. 18. In an apparatus of thc character described, the combination of a' pluralityof sorting stations: an analyzer; a' setting means associated with each station and ada ted to he o orated hv a card in the ana'yzer destinar for i-iuei li-itation; a deflector associated with euch station 'and adapted to deflect cards into the station; asettable moana carried on the tiniin device. and adapted to he Het bythe se tin means when operated and to paas with snc speed from the setting inenna to the deector as to reach and actnnte the deflector when the card which actuated lho'nssociated setfeeding ting means and set settable means reaches the station.

19'. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; means for receiving cards from the analyzer and carrying them in a path near said stations; a movable timing device; a setting means associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; a deflector associated with each station and adapted to deflect cards into the station; and groups of scttable means, one group for each station, carried on the timing device, the settable means bein adapted to come successively into operative relation with the associated setting means and to be set by the setting means when operated and to pass with such speed and length of path from the setting means to the delector as to reach and actuate the defiector when the card which actuated the associated sett-ing means and set settablc means reaches the station.

20. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a receiving means; and a means for automatically moving the receiving means an increment each time an article is fed thereto.

21. In an apparatus of .the character described, the combination of a receiving 'means; means for feeding articles into the compartment and means between the feeding means and the receiving means for automatically moving the receiving means as the feeding means is operated.

22. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a receiving means; means for feeding articles to receiving means; and a connection between the feeding means and the receiving means for moving the receiving means as the feeding means is operated.

23. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a compartment;

a receiving means therein; means for feeding articles into the compartment;`and a connection between the feeding means and the receiving means for automatically moving the receiving means an increment as the means is operated.

.24. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a pluralityof stations; an analyzer; means for conveying cards in a path from the analyzer; a pluralit of movable timing members, one iiiembei' or each station; and a means carried on each timing` member and operated by a card in the analyzer and adapted to cause said card to be deflected from said path into a.`

' station.

25. In an apparatus of the character described, the-combination of a il'uralit of stations' an analyzer; means or con ucting car s in a path from the analyzer; a.

451operated the setting means reaches the sta.

delector for each .station for defiecting a. card from said path to such station; a plu- .rality of timing members, one for each station; a plurallty of settable means carried' on each member.` each adapted tc be set by a' card 'in the analyzer, and when so set to operate the defiector when the latter is reached by said card.

26. In an apparatus of t-he character described, the combination of a plurality of stations; means for conducting cards in a path near said stations; a gulding means associated with each station ada ted when operated to guide a card from sald path t0 said station; a plurality of moving timing members, one associated with each station; a plurality of Settable means carried on each timing member and adapted to be brought successively into operative relation with the associated guiding means, and when set. to operate the iding means; and a' setting means assoclated with each station and adapted to be operated by a card dest-ined for said station and to set the settable member destined to come into relation with and operate the associated guiding means when the latter is reached by said card.

27. AIn an apparatus of the character described, t-he combination of a plurality of sorting stations; an analyzer; means for receiving cards from the analyzer and carrying them in a path near said stations; a plurality of movable timing members, one for each station; a setting means associated with each timing member and -associated station and adapted to be operated by a card in the analyzer destined for such station; and a plurality of settablemeans carried on each timing member and to come successively into operative relation with the associatedsetting means and to be set by the setting means when operated; and a detlector associated with each station and adapted to be operated by a set sett-able means as the card `-which tion.

28. In an apparatus of the character described; the combination of a plurality of compartments; an analyzer; means for conveying cards from said analyzer and carrying them in a path past said compartments; a deflector associated with each compartment and adapted to deflect cards from said path into such compartment; a uniformly moving timing member associated' with 'each compartment; a plurality of settable means carried by each of said members and adapted when set to be brought by the movement of the said member into position for operating the associated deflector; and setting means A for each timing member adapted to be oper- 'ated by any card in the analyzer which is destined for the associated'compartment, and adapted to set the adjacent settable means, said setting means being 'so located that the settable means set thereby mores to position for operating the delector at the same time that said card reaches the de- Hector.

29. In an apparatus of the character described,the combination of an analyzer comprising a plurality of analyzer pins; a plurality of compartments; deflectors above the compartments; a dclector shaft supporting leach detlector; means for conveying cards from the analyzer to the defiectors; an operative arm on each detlector shaft; a timing sha-ft; timing disks on said timing shaft, one for each compartment; a plurality of tripping cams disposed around each disk, equal angles apart, and adapted to engage the associated operating arm; plunger supporting means one for each disk disposed spirally around. said timing shaft; plungers in said supporting mea-ns and adapted to engage and force outwardly any one of said tripping cams for setting the latter in posit-ion to engage the associated operating arm; and means operatively connecting each plunger with a corresponding analyzing pin.

30. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of compartments; an analyzer comprising analyzing pins; means for conveying cards from said analyzer and past said compartments; a delector associated with each compartment and adapted to deflect cards into the compart-ments; an operating arm operatively connected to each defiector; a timing disk for each compartment; tripping cams disposed around each disk and adapted to be moved to position to engage the associated operating arm; and a setting means for each disk adapted to be set by the analyzing pin corresponding to the compartment associated with said disk and adapted when operated by the analyzing pin to set the adjacent tripping cam to the latter in position to operate the associated operating arm. each setting means being so located relative to the disk that the card analyzed by the analyzing pins setting the settable means will iust have time to pass from the analyzer to the defiector ,of the compartment to which the card is destined while the setting cam passes from such setting means to the associated operating arm.

active and inactive detent shoulder; a plurality of detent pins fixed on each disk and adapted to be engaged by said shoulders; tripping rollers on each pivot pin adapted to engage and move said operating arm; means for releasing the detents from the pins; a plunger support disposed at difierent-angles around said shaft; a plunger in each support adapted to be moved into engagement withsaid cam; a flexible connection secured to said support and operated by the analyzer; and an elbow lever pivotally mounted on said support and having one arm engaging said plunger and the other arm engaged by said flexible connection.

32. In an apparatus of the character described, thecombinatioii of a pair of spaced plates; a magazine; an analyzer; defiector shafts disposed transversely of said plates; dcflectors secured on said defiector shafts; a series of card guides above said defiectors; means for conveying cards from the magazine to the analyzer; means for conveying cards from said analyzer to said series; vertical transverse partitions whereby coinpartments are foi-med substantially beneath said deflectors; operatin arms fixed on said defiector shafts; brac ets provided with timing shaft bearings disposed lon itudinally of the machine; a timing shaft isposed in said timing shaft bearings; a plurality of timing disks fixed on said timing shaft;-

a plurality of tripping cams pivotally disposed around eacli timing disk equal angles apart, the cams of each disk bein arran ed in sta gered relation to those o `the a jacent cisk; a detent pivotally mounted on each cam and each provided with a releasing finger, and with active and inactive detent shoulder; a plurality of detent pins fixed on each disk and adapted to be' engaged by said shoulders; tripping roller on each pivot pin adapted to engage and move said operating arm; a releasing pin on each arm and adapted to engage the detent fin er to release the deteiit; a plunger bracket isposed on each timing bearing and disposed at different angles around said shaft; a boss on each plunger bracket; a plunger in said boss ada ted to be moved into engagement with sais cam; an elbow bracket fixed on said boss; a fiexible connection secured to said elbou1 bracket and operated by the analyzer; and an elbow lever pivotally mounted.

on said'lower bracket an having one arm engagin said plun er and the other arm operate by thelfiexible connection.

33. In an apparatus ofthe character described, the combination of a compartment;

means for automatically feedin cards into tho compaitmei'it; a rcceivingcp ate therein; and moans for movin the receiving plates by increments each time an article 1s fed into tho compartment.

34. In an apparatus of the' character' deeach sleeve an scribed, the combination of a compartment;

a -threaded shaft; an engaging means in the compartment and having threaded engagement with said shaft; and means for automatically rotating the shaft by increments each time an article is fed into the compartment.

35, In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a compartment; a threaded shaft associated with the compartment; a plate in the compartment and having threaded engagement with said shaft; a card directing means associated with the compartment; and means for rotating said shaft an increment each time a card is directed by the directing means.

36. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a compartment; a threaded shaft associated with the cornpartment; an engaging means in said compartment and having threaded engagement with said shaft; card directing means associated with the compartment; and means for rotating said shaft an increment each time a card is directed by -the directing means.

. 87. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a compartment; means for deflecting cards into said com-v partment; a threaded shaft associated with the compartment; a card receiving plate in the compartment and having threaded engagement with said shaft; and means operated by the defiector for rotating said shaft an increment each time a' card is deflected.

88'.l In anapparatus of the character described, the combination -of a plurality of compartments; defiectors disposed above` each compartment; means for oscillating the defiectors for .deflecting cards into the compartment; a threaded shaft disposed near each compartment; a sleeve on each shaft and having threaded engagement therewith; a card receiving plate in each compartment and supported on the adjacent sleeve; a

toothed member operativelyconnected with each shaft for rotatin the latter' and a pawl operated by said eector and engaging said member.

39. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination-of a pluralitof compartments; ldefiectors disposed a each compartment; oscillatory` shafts supporting said deflectors; means for conducting cards in a path near said deector; means for oscillating lsaid shaft and defiectors for deiiecting cards from said ath into the compartments; a threaded s aft dis ose'd near each com artinent; a sleeve sli able on each threa ed shaft; .a lat-ch carried on each sleeve and engaging the threaded shaft a card Vreceivin plate on d disposed in eac compartment' a worm wheel fixed 'on each threaded' shaft; a. worinv loosely mounted on adj acent1 each defiector shaft and engaging Vsaid worm wheel and provided with pawl teeth; and

posed a ove each compartment; oscillating shafts supporting said defiectors; means for feeding cards to the analyzer; means for conducting cards from said analyzer in a path near said deectors; means controlled by the analyzer for oscilla-ting said shaft for defiecting said deflector to deflect cards from said path into said compartments; a vertical shaft disposed at one end of each compartment; spiral threads formed., on said vertlcal shafts; an elongated sleeve slidable on each vertical shaft; a latch on each sleeve and yieldably engagin between the turns of said threads; a car receivi plate on n adjacent each sleeve and supported in eac compartment; a worm Wheel fixedl to the upper endl of each vertical shaft; a worm loosely mounted on each defiector shaft and engaging said worm wheel and provided with pawl teeth; and a toothed pawl slidably and non-rotatably mounted on each deflector shaft and yielda'bly'held in engagement with said pawl teeth.

' In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a pair of s aced plates; a magazine; an analyzer; de cctor shafts disposed transversely of said plates; dei-lector arms secured on said deiiector shafts respectively; compartments below the deflectors; means for conducting cards inl a path near the defiectors; means o erated by said analyzer for moving the de ector shafts to cause the deflectors to deflect cards into the compartments; a vertical shaft disposed at one end of eachof said compartments; spiral threads forming on said vertical shaft; an elongated sleeve slidalble on each vertical shaftand -provided with a lateral opemn latch received `on eac sleeve and adapte to engage through lateral opening and 'between the turns of said thread; an inclined card receiving plate disposed in each compartment and supported on the adjacent sleeve; a worm whee fixed to the upper end of each vertical shaft; a,` worm loosely mounted on eachdeflection 'shaft,'and engagin provided with paw teeth; a toothed pawlsaid worin wheel, and

slidably and non-rotatably mounted on each deilecter shaft, and providedl with teeth adapted toen age said pawl `teeth; and, a spring dispose around said deflector shaft -and adapted to press 'the teeth on said co1- lar. into'engagement with said. pawl teeth.

42. In an apparatus of the character described, the` combination of a compartment; a' deflector associated with said compartment; ite threaded shaft disposed near the ,means for feedin 'member against t e reslhence of sai compartment; and engaging means in the compartment having threaded engagementV with the threaded shaft; a member .loosely mounted on said deflector shaft and pawl against said member.

43. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a compartment; a defiector `associated with said compartment; a defiectorshaft supporting said deflector; a threaded shaft disposed near the compartment; an engagin means in the compartment and havin tireaded engage ment with the threaded s aft; a worm wheel fixed on the threaded shaft' a Worm loosely mounted on the defiector shaft and engaging said worm wheel; and a pawl carried on the deiiector shaft and engaging said pawl teeth.

44. In an apparatus of the character described, the comlbination of a plurality of compartments; deflectors disposed above each compartment; oscillatory shafts supporting said deflectors; means for conductmg cards to deflectors; a threaded shaft dis sed near each compartmentl a plate in eac com artment having threaded en agement wit the adjacent threaded sha a worm wheel fixed on each threaded shaft; a

-worm loosely mounted on each defiector shaft and engaging said worm wheel and provided with pawl teeth; and a toothed pawl slidably and non-rotatalhl mounted on each def-lector shaft and yield 1y pressed against said pawl teeth.

45. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality .of compartments; a deflector disposed above each compartment; a threaded shaft disposed near each compartment; an elongated sleeve on each threaded shaft and provided with a lateralv opening; a spring Alatch mounted Von each sleeve and adapted to engage through the lateral opening and between the turns of said thread; a card re- A.ceiving plate disposed in each` compartment land supported on the adjacent sleeve and a connection between said deflector and 'said shaft whereby said shaft is rotated an increment each time the deflector is operated.

46. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a shaft; a resilient wire wlapped s'pirallgr around said shaft and forming yield le t readsthereon; an

and adapted to be moved by saiy threads; articles to the en aging wire; and means. for rotating said shaft.

article engaging member enga 'ng and 4T. In an apparatus of the character descrihed, the combination of a compartment; :i `shaft associated with the compartment; u resilient. wire wrapped spirally around said shaft. and formin r yieldable threads thereon; a plate in sai( compartment having engagement between the turns of said wire;

WILLI M W. LASKER. Witnesses:

H. M. Kinm'rmcx, H. D. PENNEY. 

